Russell sounds alarm over the 'baked-in' flaws in Silver Arrows

GEORGE Russell has raised fresh concerns over Mercedes' 2025 Formula One campaign, admitting that fundamental issues in the car's performance may derail the team's hopes of challenging at the front as the season enters its hotter stages.

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The British driver endured his most disappointing Grand Prix of the season at Imola, finishing seventh after starting from third on the grid — a result that left him visibly frustrated and searching for deeper answers.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Russell expressed clear dissatisfaction with the direction of Mercedes’ development:

"The trends are pretty clear. When it's hot, we're slow.

"When it's cold, we're quick. That was the same last year."

Mercedes arrived at Imola with upgrades, including revised front suspension and a new front wing, which had boosted optimism within the team.

However, those gains faded once track temperatures rose.

While Russell’s result was partly influenced by misfortune — including ill-timed Virtual Safety Car conditions and a questionable strategy call — he insisted the core problem lies deeper.